Melling prepares for World Cup of Pool with partner Shaw

He will be turning out for Great Britain A alongside his close friend, and another one of the world’s top players, in Scotland’s Jayson Shaw.

Melling goes into the World Cup in good form, having won the Vinny Champions League Pool tournament and come third in Predator’s Championship League Pool last month.

He and Shaw will be looking to do Great Britain proud in front of a televised audience too, with the World Cup of Pool on Sky Sports from May 9-14.

On the prospect of partnering with Shaw, Melling said: “I’m really excited. Playing with somebody like Jason Shaw is a dream.

“Anybody in the world would love to have him as a partner, in any kind of pool tournament.

“It’s always nice to be asked to come and play in these Matchroom events and I think we can certainly win it this year.”

After winning the Champions League Pool tournament last month, Melling’s confidence is flying high and going into next months knockout competition, Melling and partner Shaw are up there with the favourites.

Discussing his chances of winning, Melling said: “I certainly think we’ll be one of the favourites, obviously you’ve got the likes of the Philippines, Austria and America but I think we will definitely be up there in the top three or four.”

With a huge £60,000 jackpot on the line for the winning pair , Melling is adamant that there is more important aspects on the line.

“Obviously the prize money’s great, but it’s not all about winning the prizes.

“It’s about getting yourself out there, branding yourself and exposing yourself to live tv audiences and with it being on Sky Sports, there’s a great chance to do that.”

“I’ve got a big following in Keighley so I hope people tune in for the event. It’s just a shame there might not be a crowd.

On the absence of fans, Melling said: “To be honest, it hasn’t affected me that much not having a crowd there, but of course, I prefer it because I thrive off the pressure the crowd bring.”